Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

#27

★★★★★
4.7

based on 33 reviews  

 

Ratings Distribution

5 star
 
27
4 star
 
5
3 star
 
0
2 star
 
0
1 star
 
1

Category Average

★★★★★
4.7

$2,699.00 - $2,699.99

from 7 stores
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Pros

  • Comfortable controls (19)
  • Easy to use (19)
  • Image stabilization (18)
  • Well built / quality construction (17)
  • Great image quality (16)
  • Bright lcd (15)
  • Fast shutter speed (15)
  • Short lag time (3)
  • 24 mp - crop away (1)
  • Awe inspiring (1)
See less See more

Cons

  • Heavy / bulky (5)
  • Noisy (3)
  • Exposed lcd (2)
  • Does not have "eye start" (1)
  • Flash system needs fixed (1)
  • Heavy with lens mounted (1)
  • Mirror recoil loud slap (1)
  • More noise than v4 a700 (1)
  • No software updates yet (1)
  • The thin shoulder strap (1)

Best Uses

  • Portraits (19)
  • Landscapes (17)
  • Travel (16)
  • Art (15)
  • Sports (10)
  • Photojournalism (9)
  • Fun (6)
  • Weddings (3)
  • Commercial photography (1)
  • Cropping (1)
 
 
 

Provided by RitzCamera.com

The new standard in digital photography has arrived with the Sony (alpha) DSLR-A900. Packed with features, this flagship DSLR is the first alpha to incorporate a 35mm full frame image sensor and boasts the world's highest resolution at 24.6-megapixels. It also incorporates the world's first body-integrated, full-size SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization technology.You'll also experience a larger capture area, improved wide-angle performance and tighter depth of field control with the new full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor. Equipped with Dual BIONZ imaging processors, the alpha A900 delivers continuous shooting up to 5 fps with superb image quality and ultra-low noise. The A900 also offers a large, ultra-bright glass pentaprism viewfinder with 100 percent coverage, a 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD display and HDMI output with PhotoTV HD compatibility.

Sony DSLR-A900 DSLR At-a-Glance

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor CMOS image sensorOn-Chip Column A/D Conversion
SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizationDual Noise Reduction Processing
Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 5 fps performanceF2.8 Sensor for enhanced focusing with fast lenses
Ultra bright, 100% coverage glass pentaprism viewfinderUpdated Image Data Converter SR34 software
Intelligent Preview Function reduces trial-and-errorAPS-C Size Capturing 5
3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD photo-quality display (921K) Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x
PhotoTV HD viewing w/ HDMI output 3Eyepiece Shutter shields against unwanted light entry
Precise and fast 9-point AF system w/ additional 10-point assistAF Micro Adjustment 6 customizes focus for lenses
Flagship design w/ iconic pentaprism elementOptional Focusing Screens (sold separately)
Rugged magnesium alloy shellMirror Lockup Mode for long exposure shots
Dust/Moisture-resistant design2EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures)
Long-lasting battery performanceRubberized grip provides firm, confident hold
Durable Shutter Design proven for 100,000 cyclesImage Data Lightbox 4 software
Accepts CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media 4Remote Camera Control
40-segment multi-pattern meteringPicture Motion Browser 4 software
Dynamic Range Optimizer optimizes exposure and contrastConvenient button layout for quick, easy adjustments

Sony DSLR-A900 Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Features and Benefits

35mm full frame 24.6MP Exmor CMOS image sensor
The A900 features a 35mm full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor that is approximately 2.35x larger than the APS-C sized sensors found in many DSLR cameras. The result is a larger capture area, improved wide angle performance, and tighter depth of field control. In addition, its 24.6MP resolution maximizes the resolving power of your existing lenses and delivers sharper, higher contrast photos.

SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilization
Building on years of expertise, Sony has developed the world's first body-integrated image stabilization solution for a full frame DSLR 1. The SteadyShot INSIDE in-camera image stabilizer actually shifts the image sensor to compensate for camera shake without sacrificing image quality. The compensation effect is equal to as many as four shutter speed steps, giving you more creative freedom when shooting in low light. And, because it is integrated into the camera body, SteadyShot INSIDE technology works with all compatible (alpha)system lenses.

Dual BIONZ processors for up to fast 5fps performance
The A900 harnesses the power of Dual BIONZ image processing engines to deliver true-to-life images with ultra-low noise and continuous shooting at up to 5 fps.

Ultra bright, 100% coverage glass pentaprism viewfinder
A large, ultra bright glass pentaprism viewfinder provides you with amazing clarity and high optical performance for tighter focus control. In addition, it offers viewfinder magnification of 0.74x, allowing you to see an image nearer to its actual size, as well as 100% field coverage for detailed framing work.

Intelligent Preview Function
The Intelligent Preview function allows you to see the effects of manual adjustments to exposure value, shutter speed, aperture, Dynamic Range Optimizer and White Balance before you take the shot, so you can determine the optimum settings before you take the shot, instead of losing time to trial-and-error.

3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD (921K pixels)
Review your images in stunning detail on the 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels). With photo-quality resolution of 270ppi(pixels per inch), you can identify any necessary focus or exposure corrections at the time of capture, rather than discovering them when you transfer your images to your PC.

PhotoTV HD viewing w/ HDMI output
The A900 provides direct HDMI output to your BRAVIA HDTV and other compatible HDTV screens, so you can view and share photos in breathtaking clarity and detail 3. Additionally, PhotoTV HD capable BRAVIA HDTVs will automatically optimize display settings, such as sharpness, gradation, and color to display your images in a way that more closely matches the natural look of printed photographs 3.

Precise and fast 9-point AF system w/ 10 point assist
A high-performance autofocus system uses 9 focus points (center dual-cross type) and 10 assist points to deliver fast and precise focusing.

Flagship design
The A900 features an impressive design befitting a premium flagship model. The simple form eschews ornamentation and exudes competence, while the iconic pentaprism design element conveys superior optical performance. The A900 also incorporates a distinctive cinnabar-colored ring circling the lens mount ? a design element shared across every (alpha) DSLR camera.

Rugged magnesium alloy shell
The body of the A900 is entirely covered in a die-cast magnesium alloy shell, providing a rugged feel and surprisingly light weight.

Moisture/dust-resistant design
Sealed viewfinder optics and rubber gasket surrounds on all buttons, dials, and switches help resist the entry of dust and moisture into the camera, and allow for safe use in a wide range of environments.

Battery Performance
A supplied InfoLITHIUM lithium-ion battery provides long-lasting performance, allowing you to capture approximately 880 images on a single charge7.

Durable Shutter Design
The shutter mechanism in the A900 is designed to achieve shutter speeds up to 1/8000 seconds and proven for 100,000 cycle operation.

Dual Card Slots
The A900 features a dual card slots and accepts both CompactFlash and Memory Stick Duo Media (sold separately).

40-Segment Multi-Pattern Metering
A 40-segment multi-pattern metering system provides superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the image, the A900 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization: Standard mode, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode, allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, or DRO Advanced Bracketing, which automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.

On-Chip Column A/D Conversion
Analog-to-digital signal conversion is performed by the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor.

Dual Noise Reduction Processing
In addition to digitizing analog signals, the full frame Exmor CMOS image sensor also performs both analog and digital noise reduction. This on-chip dual noise reduction process aids in the high speed transfer of noiseless digital signals.

F2.8 Sensor
The autofocus system in the A900 features a highly accurate F2.8 sensor for improved focus precision when using lenses faster than F2.8.

Updated Image Data Converter SR3
Updated Image Data Converter SR3 software 4 improves your workflow with faster RAW file processing and improved image correction.

APS-C Size Capturing
In addition to full frame image capture, the A900 can also crop images to the APS-C size format, allowing the use of lenses designed specifically for APS-C sized image sensors 5.

Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x
Viewfinder magnification of 0.74x lets you see your subjects nearer to actual size.

Eyepiece Shutter
The A900 includes a built-in eyepiece shutter which can be shut to help shield against entering light and prevent exposure errors.

AF Micro Adjustment
AF Micro Adjustment allows you to fine tune focus for various lenses 6. The A900 can store adjusted focus values for up to thirty lenses.

Optional Focusing Screens (sold separately)
User-replaceable focusing screens for shooting specific subject types can be purchased as optional accessories.

Mirror Lockup Mode
Mirror Lockup Mode raises the main mirror before exposure to reduce vibration at shutter release, resulting in better performance during long exposure shots of fireworks, stars, etc.

2 EV Exposure Bracketing (3 exposures)
The A900 allows you to bracket up to three exposures in 2.0 EV-step increments.

Rubberized Grip
Sony drew upon its extensive experience designing and building heavy professional broadcasting camcorders to develop a rubberized grip that allows you to hold the A900 with comfort and confidence.

Image Data Lightbox software
The Image Data Lightbox software 4 included with your (alpha) DSLR helps you browse, rate, and compare your images, making it easier to select your favorites for further processing.

Remote Camera Control
Remote Camera Control allows you to control your A900 from your PC.

Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Software
Sony Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software 4 provides a simple and intuitive way to sort and archive your image collection, as well as perform common editing operations and output to data disc or the Web.

Convenient Button Placement
Concentrate on your shooting and make adjustments on the fly thanks to convenient button placement. The ISO and White Balance adjustment buttons are located on the top of the camera body near the shutter button for easy thumb operation.

Notes

1 World's highest as of September 2008
2 Viewable area, measured diagonally.
3 HD viewing requires HDMI cable and HDMI compatible HDTV (both sold separately) PhotoTV HD viewing requires PhotoTV HD capable Sony BRAVIA HDTV (sold separately).
4 Requires Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4, Windows XP SP2, or Windows Vista Not supported by Mac OS.
5 When a DT lens is mounted, images are automatically cropped to the APS-C size, regardless of the APS-C size capture setting Using a DT lens is not guaranteed because the corners of the field are darkened and the camera does not meet the primary AE performance standard.
6 Performance not guaranteed with lenses produced by other manufacturers.
7 Under average conditions; when fully charged, actual results may vary based on camera settings and conditions of use.

Specification Description
Model DSLR-A900, DSLRA900
UPC 027242745650
Anti Shake Mode Yes
Battery Charger BC-VM10
Compatible Battery NP-FM500H
Continuous Advance (fps) 5
Depth (Inches) 3.25
Digital SLR Body Only
Effective Megapixel Count 24.6
Electronic Flash Built-in
Flash Accepts External Flash
Flash Automatic
Flash Fill
Flash High Speed Sync
Flash Rear Curtain Sync
Focus Modes 9 point AF
Focus Modes Auto
Focus Modes Continuous
Focus Modes Manual
Focus Modes Single-servo AF
Focus Modes Spot
HDMI Mini Yes
Height (Inches) 4.6
LCD Display Size (Inches) 3.0
LCD Viewer 3 Inch
Lens Not Included
Lens Mount Alpha Mount
Optical Viewfinder Yes
Pixel Count 24 Megapixel
Removable Memory Type Compact Flash (type I)
Removable Memory Type Compact Flash (type II)
Removable Memory Type Memory Stick Duo
Removable Memory Type Memory Stick Pro Duo
Scene Modes Autumn
Scene Modes Black & White
Scene Modes Clear
Scene Modes Deep
Scene Modes Landscape
Scene Modes Light
Scene Modes Neutral
Scene Modes Portrait
Scene Modes Standard
Scene Modes Sunset
Scene Modes Vivid
Select Camera Style Interchangeable Lens SLR's
Self Timer Yes
Shutter Speed 1/8000-30 second
Still Picture Capture Yes
Storage Media Type CompactFlash / MemoryStick Pro
USB Port Mini-B
White Balance Auto
White Balance Cloudy
White Balance Daylight
White Balance Flash
White Balance Fluorescent
White Balance Shade
White Balance Tungsten Bulb
Width (Inches) 6.1

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Questions

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Where to Buy

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Product Reviews

Last update: Nov 5, 2009

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Reviews

 
 
 

Most helpful positive review

[5 of 7 customers found this review helpful]

Most helpful negative review

[25 of 88 customers found this review helpful]

 
★★★★☆
4.0
A New Standard

"Having used the Minolta Maxxum 7000 for years and then switching to Sony's A 700, I thought I was in Heaven and then the A 900 came out. I found myself in a bad place. Owning what I had thought was the last(haha) camera I would need to purchase. After using the A 900 I feel on my sword and the compassion of the Sony corporation to allow me to return my A 700 and purchase the newer A 900, much to my surprise they..." Read Full Review »

Feb 14, 2009 by KTOWERS3

See more positive Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) reviews

★☆☆☆☆
1.0
dropped the ball here

"I just bought this off a friend that did not like it, were both pro photographer's and I hate to say it, but I had to sell it to another person. Build quality is about the best thing going, but who cares if you can't shoot over ISO 200 without heavy grain. The metering is not quite there and the auto focus is very fubbly or inconsistant. The sony Raw file format is very hard to work with...." Read Full Review »

Dec 27, 2008 by photopro

See more negative Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) reviews

 
 

Displaying 1 - 5 of 33 Reviews

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[5 of 7 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

A New Standard

★★★★☆
4.0

    Pros

  • Bright LCD
  • Comfortable Controls
  • Easy To Use
  • Fast Shutter Speed
  • Great Image Quality
  • More »

    Cons

  • Exposed LCD
  • Heavy

    Best Uses

  • Art
  • Landscape
  • Portraits
  • Travel
 

"Having used the Minolta Maxxum 7000 for years and then switching to Sony's A 700, I thought I was in Heaven and then the A 900 came out. I found myself in a bad place. Owning what I had thought was the last(haha) camera I would need to purchase. After using the A 900 I feel on my sword and the compa …"  Read Full Review »

  • Using Product
  • Made with Product
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital SLR Camera review on the Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (5)  (2)  0 comments
Feb 14 2009
KTOWERS3
Ventura, California
I am:
  • Semi-pro Photographer
Reviewed at:
 

[15 of 15 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

Maybe the best Camera for the money.

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • AF Zeiss Lenses
  • Brighest Viewfinder
  • Comfortable Controls
  • Great Image Quality
  • Image Stabilization
  • More »

    Cons

  • Flash system needs fixed

    Best Uses

  • Art
  • Landscape
  • Portraits
  • Travel
  • Weddingsevents
 

"Mostly used to shoot weddings and portraits. So far it's proving itself up to that formidable task. Time will tell.



Nice mix of digital and analog controls. Huge, bright viewfinder, reasonable ISO performance for a high meg camera .... which I'd rather have than smeared looking noice controls. In …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital SLR Camera review on the Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (15)  (0)  0 comments
Jan 29 2009
Fotografz
Franklin, Michigan
I am:
  • Pro Photographer
Reviewed at:
Price: $2,699.99
 

[28 of 28 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

Great tool

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Bright LCD
  • Comfortable Controls
  • Easy To Use
  • Great Image Quality
  • Image Stabilization

    Cons

  • Heavy
  • Underpar jpeg engine

    Best Uses

  • Art
  • Documentary
  • Landscape
  • Portraits
  • Travel
 

"Bargain compared to the new Nikon D3X. Beautiful RAW image quality up to iso800. Pairs perfectly with all Carl Zeiss Sony lenses, which give smooth, lovely three-dimensional pictures. Fabulous for portraits with the CZ85MMf/1.4 and CZ135MMf/1.8. Cameras needs high-quality lenses to match the re …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital SLR Camera review on the Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (28)  (0)  0 comments
Dec 3 2008
Smurf
New York, NY
I am:
  • Semi-pro Photographer
Reviewed at:
Price: $2,699.99
 

[45 of 45 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

Sony got this one right!

★★★★★
5.0

"First my background, I have used Hasselblad 501's and Mamiya 6x7 film cameras and many 35mm cameras. I went to digital with the Konica Minolta 7D, then tried the first Sony Alpha. I liked it so much that I bought another.

I WAITED for this camera (A900), bought one of the first available in my area. …"  Read Full Review »

Was this Digital SLR Camera review on the Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (45)  (0)  0 comments
Dec 29 2008
photographer23
Illinois, USA
Reviewed at:
Price: $2,699.99
 
 

[17 of 20 customers found this review helpful]

Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) Review

Very good digital camera

★★★★★
5.0

    Pros

  • Awe Inspiring
  • Comfortable Controls
  • Easy To Use
  • Retro Look
  • Small Lag Time
  • More »

    Cons

  • Heavy with lens mounted

    Best Uses

  • Fun
  • Landscape
 

"This is a very good camera. I had not been too much into Sony branded photo gear, until the A900 came out. In fact, I praise this camera not only for what it has, but also for what it doesn't have. I am so relieved about not seeing video capture or live view LCD on the A900. Come on, this is a p …"  Read Full Review »

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this Digital SLR Camera review on the Sony DSLR-A900 alpha Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) helpful to you? 
 Report Abuse  (17)  (3)  0 comments
Dec 4 2008
Andrew
New York, NY
I am:
  • Photo Enthusiast
Reviewed at:
Price: $2,699.99
 
Displaying 1 - 5 of 33 Reviews
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